The Commission on Science, Innovation, and Technology (CSIT) awarded $1.7 million in grants to 23 Garden State-based startups focused on maternal and infant health.
First Lady Tammy Murphy and New Jersey Economic Development Authority Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan presented the grants during a March 5 event in Princeton.
“New Jersey is home to some of the most innovative startups in the nation, and it is a privilege to acknowledge their exciting new developments in maternal and infant health,” said Murphy.
The awardees include:
- Neoventech LLC, North Brunswick
- PONS, Newark
- Pumpkin Baby Inc., Lawrenceville
- Primo Pharmatech LLC, Somerset
- NeoGeneStar LLC, Warren
- HeraNano Therapeutics, Sewell
- Vitruviae Inc., Nutley
- UCHU Biosensors Inc., Newark
- Smartbody LLC, Teaneck
- Thrivo Health LLC, New Brunswick
- Delphine Diagnostics LLC, Newark
- Gosia Genomics Inc., Kearny
- Mycsology Foods Inc., Princeton
- Ricovr Healthcare Inc., Princeton
- Quarks Advantage Group, Jersey City
- High Throughput Biology Inc., Short Hills
- Analytical Diagnostic Solutions Inc., Mount Laurel
- InteguRx Therapeutics LLC, Califon
- Neoneur LLC, Pennington
- Ability HUB Inc., Princeton
- AfsarTech Inc., Rutherford
- Within Health Technologies LLC, Hopewell
- Medifvu LLC, Somerset
The grants come via Round 2 of CSIT’s Maternal and Infant Health R&D Grant Program. The above startups will receive awards up to $75,000.
“These grants will invest in vital programs, research, and services that will enhance the well-being of women and children, and reduce racial inequities in access to health care,” said Sullivan. “Additionally, we are creating more opportunities for young, innovative businesses in the state – helping create jobs and a stronger, more diverse economy.”
“The startups receiving awards today will carry on our critical work to ensure New Jersey is the safest and most equitable state in the nation to deliver and raise a baby – and ultimately, continue to transform the health care industry beyond the Murphy administration,” said Murphy. “And, with the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center currently in development in Trenton, our state’s capital city will serve as an innovation hub ensuring these types of businesses are fostered on a grander scale for years to come.”
Continuing collaboration
Lisa Asare is CEO and president of the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority. The MIHIA will oversee day-to-day operations of the center.
“The startups being recognized today will help strengthen New Jersey as an innovation hub while driving improvements in maternal and infant health across the state,” said Asare. The MIHIA will oversee day-to-day operations of the center. “These grants represent a significant step forward in advancing cutting-edge solutions that will ensure equitable access to care for women and infants, especially in underserved communities.”
Executive Director Judith Sheft said CSIT is honored to again collaborate with the first lady and partners across the state to support the “vital and lifesaving efforts” of the Nurture NJ initiative.
“We have seen great outcomes from Round 1 of the Maternal and Infant awardees and look forward to continuing this important work,” said Sheft. “The awardees are developing a range of drug, diagnostic, hardware, and software solutions to improve maternal and infant health.”
“CSIT is thrilled to continue our partnership with First Lady Murphy, the Maternal and Infant Health Authority, and the NJEDA on this vital initiative that will support babies and their families by leveraging the innovative capabilities of New Jersey startups to tackle critical maternal and infant health care challenges,” said CSIT board Chair Debbie Hart. “In Round 2 of the program, 23 companies have received $1.7 million in funding to advance their projects – creating solutions where they are urgently needed.”
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